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Nepal
A path to self-discovery and personal growth. |
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Bhutan
A perfect place to unwind and enjoy the bounties of nature. |
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Tibet
A passage back into time – a look at the past |
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Sikkim
A vibrant realm of colors and breathtaking beauty |
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Darjeeling
The Queen of the hills |
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Ladakh
The last of the Shangri – La's |
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| Tibet – the name itself invokes a sense of mystery and magic. Spread over a vast expanse of high altitude desert beyond the Himalayas this ancient kingdom is truly the last of the Shangri- Las. Often referred to as the roof of the world the region is untamed, wild and alluring. The high rising mountains, azure blue lakes and snow capped peaks against the backdrop of one of the richest cultures preserved in its primordial state give a visitor the feeling of having made the trip – gratifying and delightful. A trip to this awesome country is a passage back into time – a look at the past. The magnificent landscape, exquisite monasteries and age-old culture leave an everlasting mark. The spiritual and religious nature of Tibetans is evident everywhere. The sights and sounds of the country - be it the monks chanting prayers or prayer flags fl uttering in the breeze – are replete with religious tones. Nowhere in the world is religion so much a part of everyday life. Visitors can enter Tibet directly by air or by land. The 1 and ½ hour Trans - Himalayan flight between Lhasa and Kathmandu is a one of the most spectacular journeys by air in the world. China South West Airlines operates flights between Kathmandu to Gongar airport, Tibet’s only commercial Gongar, located 84 Kms away from Lhasa. |
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Lhasa
Located at 3700 m, Lhasa is the cultural, spiritual and political capital of Tibet. Though modern in every sense, the city located on the banks of the Kyi Chu still retains its age culture, a lifestyle that has changed little over centuries. With a long and rich history the city is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. The towering Potala palace perched on Marpo Ri (red hill) is a monumental landmark, visible from all corners of the city. A remarkable feat of architecture, the former seat of the Dalai Lama houses some of the most sacred and valued Tibetan artifacts. A visit to the mammoth building is a peek into an important aspect of Tibetan history. Another awe-inspiring feature of the city is the Jokhang temple, Tibet’s most sacred shrine, and the spiritual heart of the Tibetans. Built in the 7th century by Songsten Gompo, it is the oldest and the most significant institution in Tibet. Hundreds of pilgrims from all over the plateau throng the temple to pay homage. It houses the statue of Jowo Sakyamuni, regarded as the holiest object in Tibet. Norbulinkha, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama located in the midst of a wooded garden is a pleasant retreat. Spread over a huge enclave on the outskirts of town it still retains its charm. Started by 7th Dalai Lama Kelsang Gyatso (1708 –57) the huge complex boasts of several quarters that consist of no less than 400 rooms and chapels. Other cultural, religious landmarks in Lhasa are the Drepung and Sera Monastery. Founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choje and Shakya Yeshe in 1419 respectively these two monasteries, among the six great centers of Gelugpa sect, are vital centers of religious activity that impart knowledge on Tibetan Buddhist philosophy to students from all over Tibet.
 Gyantse
Located 260 kms south west of Lhasa, Gyantse is a major town in Tibet that still retains its true Tibetan entity. A stop here is travel back into time and a look into a bygone era. The most absorbing feature of Gyantse is the 77 roomed multi tiered Kumbum stupa which houses 100, 000 images of Buddha. The Gyantse fort that commands an aesthetically rewarding view of the town and Pelkor Chode Monastery are other major attractions.
 Shigatse
Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet and home to Tashilhumpo Monastery. Founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama it is the largest and one of the most hallowed monasteries in Tibet and also the seat of Panchen Lama, the most important religious head in Tibet after the Dalai Lama. A principal monastery of the Gelugpa sect located in the Tsang Province, it draws hordes of devotees from all over the Tibet.
 Kailash – Manasarovar
Considered to be the center of the universe and the abode of Lord Shiva, Mt. Kailash, draws in hordes of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims from around the world. The Manasarovar Lake, which spreads over a vast area, is spellbinding. The sight of Kailash and Manasarovar is refreshing and a deeply fulfilling experience for the mind and human spirit.
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What to Take
Clothing and Footwear
- Warm down jacket for the cold
- Warm clothes
- Spare clothing - several thinner layers are better than one thick layer
The weather in Nepal can vary significantly, and the best advice is to take clothing that will layer to cover all eventualities. It may easily be cold in the evenings and when walking at higher altitudes.
- Walking boots - well worn-in, with good ankle support and strong ridged soles with good tread, and spare boot laces
- Trekking boots
- Windproof/waterproof trousers and jacket with hood, good rain gear: It is quite likely to rain at some point whilst you are out.
- Sun protection: sunglasses with UV protection
- Loop-pile socks - one thick and one thin pair reduces the risk of blisters
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts - as protection from the sun.
- Sun hat - although it is unlikely to be too hot, the sun may be very strong
- Comfortable clothes - for evenings and comfortable shoes for sightseeing
- Lightweight survival bag
- A small rucksack - a bin liner will keep contents dry if it rains
- Balaclava/ warm Cap
- Scarf/ mask
- Windbreakers/ Jacket
- Down Sleeping bag
- Towel - if you intend to go swimming and for use on the trek (bath towels are of course supplied in hotels)
- Torch - essential as not everywhere has electricity and the mains supply can be erratic.
- Adapter - sockets may be large or small, 3 round pin or 2 round pin. Voltage is 220.
- Money belt; fold-up bag for souvenirs; camera and plenty of spare film; umbrella
Equipment/ Toiletries
- Flashlight
- Sunscreen/ Lip balm (high factor sun screen and lip protection)
- Water bottle: with at least 1 litre capacity.
- Moisturizing lotion
- A knife with a can opener
- Insect repellent
Medical Kit
We provide a first aid kit with medication for altitude sickness, nausea, dehydration, pain killers, and medication for dysentery, diarrhea, bandages, water purifier, antiseptic creams, throat lozenges, eye drops, antibiotics, nasal sprays, and pain relievers in tubes or spray but it is advisable to carry some medication on you without taking too much room in your baggage.
However we recommend the clients to carry the following items:
- Asprin or Panadol - for pain or fever
- Antihistamine - useful as a decongestant for colds, allergies, to ease the itch from insect bites and stings or to help prevent motion sickness
- Antibiotics-useful if you are traveling well off the beaten track but they must be prescribed
- Kaolin preparation (Pepto-Bismol), Imodium or Lomotil - for stomach upsets and to stop diarrhea and dehydration
- Rehydration mixture - for treatment of severe diarrhea and dehydration
- Antiseptic, Mercurochrome and Antibiotic powder or similar 'dry' spray-for cuts and grazes
- Calamine lotion-to ease irritation from bites and stings
- Bandages and band-aids- for minor injuries and wounds
- Scissors, Tweezers and a Thermometer
- Throat Lozenges
- Acetaminophen (paracetamol)
- Antacid tablets
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Access
Tibet is connected by air with Kathmandu. Air China operates regular flights between Lhasa – Kathmandu.
Lhasa – Kathmandu – Lhasa
Air China Flight Schedule
(Subject to change)
1st Jan - 28th March:
Only on Saturdays
29th March to 30th June: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays
1st July to 29th October:
7 days a week
30th October to 31st December: Only on Saturdays
Tibet is also connected to mainland China by air, land and train. The train journey to Lhasa is one of the most breathtaking in the whole world.
Best season
The best period to visit Tibet is from June top September. During this period the sky is clear, the passes are free of snow and the views are excellent. Days are quite pleasant and warm but nights could be chilly with temperature dropping to between 0 to 5 degree centigrade.
Eating out
Tibetans normally thrive on a Spartan diet so in most of the places the choice of food offered is generally limited to Chinese and Tibetan dishes. However in cities like Shigatse and Lhasa you can get other varieties as well. Even though hotel food is quite good and sufficient, meals may pose a problem if you are only accustomed to western food, so it would be a food idea to carry snacks with you. Packet soups, instant coffee, powdered drinks, chocolate bars, biscuits, cheese, dried fruits, peanut butter, canned fruits, muesli, tuna fish, sardines etc could be great help.
Visa formalities
Please note that the Chinese visa is not valid for travel in Tibet while entering from Nepal. We need to acquire what is known as a group visa which is on a piece of paper and not a visa sticker on the passport.
We need the full name of the client as it appears in the passport, date of birth, profession, passport number, date of issue and expiry of passport, date of birth, occupation, nationality and passport photocopies at least a month before their arrival in Kathmandu for the visa processing formalities. We need to send these details to the Tibet Tourism Bureau in Lhasa who in turn will issue us visa notification. We will finish all these processes before the arrival of the client in Kathmandu.
We need to present the visa notification along with the original passport of the client when we apply for the visa. The visa section of the Chinese Embassy accepts applications only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 11 am. We will need one full working day at the visa section to obtain the Tibetan visa of the client.
If you are entering Tibet from mainland China, then you need a Chinese visa from your country. Please note that while applying for Chinese visa you should NOT mention that you are going to Tibet. With a Chinese visa you can enter China without any problems at all. We will process all your permits for Tibet and when you fly into Lhasa your guide will be waiting for you with your permits in Gonggar airport. The cost of the permits has been included in your tour cost.
Money matters
Yuan is the standard currency in Tibet. As of now the exchange for US$ 1 = 8 Yuan, which is subject to change. The Bank of China, which is located in the major towns in Tibet like Lhasa, Shigatse and Zangmu accept Traveler's cheque and foreign currency. In these towns the major credit cards are also accepted.
Time Zones
Tibet follows Beijing time and is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
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